KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is the number one choice for Japanese tourists since 2006, according to statistics from Long Stay Foundation, and this is expected to continue this year.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Masahiko Horie, who revealed this yesterday, said that the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme had drawn Japanese tourists for long-stay visits, especially retirees.

“Japanese people love the warm climate, good food, cheaper cost of living, and social and political stability in Malaysia.

“I am 100% confident that Malaysia will once again be the destination of first choice this year,” said Horie.

MM2H allows foreigners who fulfill certain criteria to stay in Malaysia on a 10-year multiple entry social visit pass.

Besides retirees, the ambassador said that high school graduates make up a large number of tourists here.

“Japan is a homogeneous country and students should explore the world and see multi-ethnic places like Malaysia,” he said.

The ambassador expressed his delight over AirAsia X’s plans to open flight routes to Haneda airport.

“Haneda aiport is much closer to Tokyo city compared to Narita.

“I hope that this will triple the number of Japanese tourists coming here.